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Set Designer

Set designers research, design and supervise the construction of sets and scenery, costumes and all the visual aids required in stage, film and television productions.

Set designers mostly work in large cities where the main centres of entertainment, production, training and development are located.

They often work long hours.

TASKS

Set designers may perform the following tasks:

produce freehand sketches, accurate scale models, plans and working drawings in consultation with the director of the production, the production manager and other creative artists
design sets and props, taking into consideration budget allocations and the artistic and technical requirements of the director or producer
supervise qualified tradespeople who construct the sets and direct set assistants on matters relating to design interpretations
advise on other areas of technical production such as lighting and sound

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

artistic flair
able to combine practical and artistic skills
good communication skills

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a set designer you usually have to complete a VOC qualification in design, visual arts, live production and management services or scenery and set construction. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.

You can also become a set designer by completing a degree in design, visual arts, fine arts, creative arts, technical production or visual communication. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, visual arts and design are normally required. Applicants may also be required to attend an interview and submit a folio of work. Suitable industry experience (paid or voluntary) is also an advantage.

A number of institutions in Australia offer degrees in these areas. Institutions have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Skills can also be gained on the job through extensive experience in the industry.

Additional Information

Each November the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) conduct interviews in most states and territories for their courses. Contact NIDA or WAAPA for more information. The Queensland University of Technology and The Victorian College of the Arts usually hold interviews in November and early December. Contact VCA or QUT for more information.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Set designers are employed by theatre and film and television production companies, usually under contract for the duration of a particular production. They may also be self-employed and work on a freelance basis.

Success in this field requires outstanding ability and artistic flair. Demand for set designers is linked to the number of films, television programmes and stage shows under production at a given time, the level of government and private funding available, as well as popular trends in entertainment.